If you’ve secured Social Security disability benefits, then you might be finding yourself breathing a sigh of relief, and for good reason. These benefits can provide you with the financial stability that you need while you focus on living the best life possible in light of your medical condition. But even if the receiving of benefits was a hard-fought battle, you should realize that your confrontation with the Social Security Administration may not be over.
How the government re-evaluates your disability
This is because the federal government is going to continue to re-evaluate your medical condition to see if you remain disabled and are therefore still justified in receiving benefits. If the government finds that you are no longer disabled, then your benefits can be ceased.
Depending on your age and circumstances, this Continuing Disability Review, as its oftentimes termed, can occur every three or seven years. The process of being re-evaluated is pretty similar to the one utilized during the initial claims process. You’ll have to fill out a form and submit medical evidence supporting a determination that you’re disabled as defined by the federal government.
If, however, the SSA finds that your medical condition has improved to the point that you’re now able to work, and if you are found to have the ability to engage in substantial gainful activity, meaning that you can work enough to earn over a certain amount, then your benefits can be stopped.
Protect yourself during the re-evaluation process
What this means for you is that, when the time comes, you need to be prepared to present strong medical evidence and legal arguments that support the continuation of SSD benefits. You also need to be prepared to address any improvements to your condition as they relate to your ability to work.
That’s not always easy, though, and about 15% of all disability recipients have their benefits ended upon re-evaluation. Don’t let that happen to you. Instead, be prepared and aggressive when it comes to fighting for the compensation that you need.
